[This] is their ancient shape. “In former times these were much used to curl the side locks of a man’s head, but now (in 1688) wholly cast aside as useless; it openeth and shutteth like the forceps, only the ends are broad and square, being cut within the mouth with teeth curled and crisped, one tooth striking within another.”
Scissors.
Hair-scissors were long and broad in the blades, and rounded towards the points which were sharp.
Beard-scissors had short blades and long handles.
The barber’s scissors differed in these respects from others; for instance, the tailor’s scissors had blunt points, while the seamster’s scissors differed from both by reason of their smallness, some of them having one ring for the thumb only to fit it, while the contrary ring or bow was large enough to admit two or three fingers.
Beards.
Pick-a-devant Beard.
“A full face with a sharp-pointed beard is termed, in blazon, a man’s face with a pick-a-devant (or sharp pointed,) beard.” Mr. Archdeacon Nares’s “Glossary” contains several passages in corroboration of Holme’s description of this beard.
